Iyo Sky Overlooked at WrestleMania 42, Highlighting WWE's Missed Opportunity

One of the best pro wrestlers in the world was relegated to a forgettable sidekick role on the biggest show of the year.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:49am

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the dynamic movement and raw energy of a professional wrestler, with their face and body dissolving into unrecognizable splashes of paint.Iyo Sky's electric presence and world-class wrestling skills were sorely missed at WrestleMania 42, leaving fans craving a more prominent showcase for one of WWE's brightest young stars.Philadelphia Today

Iyo Sky, widely considered one of the best professional wrestlers in the world, was largely absent from WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, appearing only briefly to assist Rhea Ripley. This was a missed opportunity for WWE, as Sky has proven herself to be a charismatic superstar who consistently delivers standout matches, including classics at the previous two WrestleMania events.

Why it matters

Sky's exclusion from meaningful WrestleMania 42 matches highlights WWE's failure to showcase its top talent on the biggest stage. As one of the company's most talented and popular performers, Sky deserved a prominent role at the premier annual event, which is meant to feature the organization's best athletes and storylines.

The details

At WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia and WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, Iyo Sky had two of the best matches of the entire weekend, including a classic against Bayley and a triple threat with Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley. However, at WrestleMania 42, also held in Las Vegas, Sky was relegated to a brief appearance as a sidekick to Ripley during her world title match against Jade Cargill.

  • At WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, Iyo Sky had a classic match against Bayley.
  • At WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, Iyo Sky was part of a triple threat match with Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley.
  • At WrestleMania 42, also held in Las Vegas, Iyo Sky only briefly appeared to assist Rhea Ripley in her match.

The players

Iyo Sky

One of the best professional wrestlers in the world, known for her infectious energy, bright charisma, and ability to consistently deliver standout matches.

Bayley

A fellow top WWE superstar who had a classic match against Iyo Sky at WrestleMania 40.

Bianca Belair

A top WWE superstar who was part of the triple threat match with Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 41.

Rhea Ripley

A top WWE superstar who faced Jade Cargill for the world title at WrestleMania 42, with Iyo Sky briefly appearing to assist her.

Jade Cargill

The opponent of Rhea Ripley in the world title match at WrestleMania 42.

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What they’re saying

“Iyo Sky is one of the best professional wrestlers on the planet. Man, woman, alien, fish, it doesn't matter. If Martians came down to Earth tomorrow, they wouldn't have someone better at the craft of pro wrestling than Iyo Sky.”

— Tyler Erzberger, Author

“WrestleMania is the two nights of the year, like the Super Bowl, where your best players need to be out on the field and giving it their all. And the WWE failed not only Sky but also the fans by not having one of its best out there over the course of two nights in Las Vegas.”

— Tyler Erzberger, Author

What’s next

It remains to be seen if WWE will rectify this oversight and give Iyo Sky a more prominent role at future WrestleMania events, where she can showcase her immense talent and connection with the audience.

The takeaway

Iyo Sky's exclusion from meaningful matches at WrestleMania 42 was a missed opportunity for WWE to showcase one of its most talented and popular superstars on the biggest stage. The company must do better at elevating its top performers, like Sky, to ensure WrestleMania delivers the best possible experience for both the wrestlers and the fans.